That’s amore, Tony’s

About 420 fans raised a toast Friday night to the iconic Houston restaurant founded by Tony Vallone (where did the time go?) 45 years ago.

Vallone and his wife, Donna Valone, were the honorees of the Eighth Annual Texas Legends Gala at the Omni Hotel, a benefit for the Galleria Chamber of Commerce. Plenty of other Valones turned out to celebrate — including kids Laurie, Lia, Jeff (and wife Elizabeth), John (and wife Carrie) and Joey along with grandkids Anthony and Ashley.

Vallone’s five-star cuisine and super hospitality put him on the map. And the endless parade of movie stars, politicos, and other bold faced types who wanted to see and be seen there was faithfully reported for many years by legendary Chronicle society doyenne Maxine Messenger, who kept tabs on everyone’s swankiendas and playcations from her prime seat.

Fun fact: That famous Post Oak location, now the home of Mo’s: A Place for Steaks, was Tony’s second. Developer Gerald Hines helped Vallone relocate there from his original Sage St. location, where Macy’s now stands. For the past five years, the restaurant has been happily ensconced in sophisticated style at Greenway Plaza.

Whitney Banks’ Kathryn Mumaw chaired, and chamber president Don Sweat helped orchestrate the smooth evening, which featured a few comments from Esquire’s John Mariani.

The menu pressure was on, and the Omni delivered — from the hors d’ouerves at the private reception for the Vallone’s through the classic five-course Italian dinner.

With Yvonne Washington performing, the dance floor stayed busy in between courses. Among those burning a few calories: Michael and Ileana Trevino, Kelli and Martin Fein and Bill and Melissa King.